NAC narrow-body aircraft returning after engine replacement, nearly Rs 2 billion paid to Israeli firm

KATHMANDU: Nepal Airlines Corporation (NAC) is set to bring back its narrow-body aircraft bearing call sign 9N-AKX on Monday night after completing an engine replacement in Israel, with the state-owned carrier having paid nearly Rs 2 billion to an Israeli maintenance company for leasing, repairs, and associated services.

According to NAC sources, the aircraft was flown to Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) in Tel Aviv on Poush 14 to return a leased engine and install its own engine. After nearly three weeks of maintenance work, the aircraft is now scheduled to return to Kathmandu.

“The company has already been paid almost all dues. Only a small bill of around USD 300,000 may still be received. The aircraft is arriving tonight,” a senior NAC source said.

An NAC official confirmed that the aircraft is scheduled to land at Tribhuvan International Airport at around 9 pm.

“The narrow-body aircraft that went to Israel for engine replacement is returning to Nepal tonight at 9 pm with 45 passengers from Dubai,” the official said.

Nearly Rs 2 billion spent on leasing and maintenance

NAC sources stated that close to Rs 2 billion has been spent under various headings, including engine leasing charges, maintenance costs, logistics, and technical services.

The aircraft had been operating with a leased engine after its own engine developed technical problems. The decision to send the aircraft to Israel was taken to reinstall its original engine and return the leased unit, as part of efforts to restore regular narrow-body operations.

Operational impact on NAC fleet

The prolonged grounding of the aircraft had affected NAC’s international flight schedule, as the corporation already operates with a limited fleet.

With the return of 9N-AKX, NAC expects partial relief in fleet availability, particularly for regional and medium-haul international routes, which are heavily dependent on its narrow-body aircraft.

Financial pressure on the national carrier

The nearly Rs 2 billion outlay highlights NAC’s continuing financial and operational challenges, as repeated technical issues and reliance on foreign maintenance facilities significantly increase costs.

Aviation experts have long warned that weak fleet management, delayed maintenance planning, and limited in-house technical capability are driving up expenses for the national flag carrier.

The latest expenditure once again raises questions over the sustainability of NAC’s operational model, especially as the corporation continues to struggle with ageing aircraft, high maintenance costs, and intense competition from private and foreign airlines.

Scrutiny over aircraft maintenance strategy

The frequent need to send aircraft abroad for major maintenance and engine replacement has drawn criticism from policymakers and aviation sector stakeholders, who argue that Nepal must strengthen domestic maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) capacity to reduce dependency on foreign firms.

As the aircraft is scheduled to resume operations following its arrival, attention will now turn to whether NAC can stabilise its narrow-body fleet and prevent further costly disruptions in the coming months.